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Post-Draft: Bears center depth chart

By Parker Hurley

Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears center Cody Whitehair (65) reacts with fans after a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Chicago defeated Minnesota 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears center Cody Whitehair (65) reacts with fans after a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Chicago defeated Minnesota 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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How will the Chicago Bears center depth chart play out?

Now that the NFL draft is over it is time to start looking to rookie camps, OTAs and training camp. The 90-man roster is now set so the time to speculate about who will be in what spot, and who may make the 53-man roster is here. In this series, we will go position by position to project the potential depth chart of the Bears come August. This edition will focus on the center.

1. Cody Whitehair

Whitehair did not win the job until an injury to Hroniss Grasu ended his season before it even started in 2016. Still, it would be unimaginable to see the former second round pick hand the job back over after his 2016 season. Whitehair was arguably the most reliable lineman and started all 16 games. Pro Football Focus graded him out to be the sixth best center in the NFL last season. Grasu is a nice piece of depth, but the position is Whitehair’s moving forward.

2. Hroniss Grasu

Grasu tore his ACL in August of 2016, and it wiped out his entire season. It is a shame because Grasu was entering his second NFL season and had made some progress at the position a season before. However, now his role is likely relegated from starting center to a swing guard. Grasu can slide over to guard in a pinch and will be the main backup at both interior positions. He may see the field next year, but it is tough to envision him winning a starting job in camp barring injury.

3. Eric Kush

Injury in the interior saw Kush playing 279 snaps for the Bears last season. It is the sixth team Kush has played for since 2013, and he is a bottom of the roster player but he was not a major issue when he thrust into playing last season. Kush can play guard and center and may be able to carve out a roster spot for another season.

Next: Offensive Guard Depth Chart

4.  Mark Spelman

Spelman is a 2016 undrafted free agent from Illinois State. He will be competing in camp, but he is a bit of a long shot to make the final 53-man roster. Center is a decently deep position in Chicago, so Spelman should see it as a win to catch the eye of coaches and earn a practice squad spot next year.

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